Minnesota State at Minnesota

First round, WCHA playoffs 7:07 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday (if necessary) at Mariucci Arena Radio: KDOG 96.7 FM; TV: FSN North (Friday only)

Up the road

The Mavericks (13-17-6, 8-16-4, eighth in WCHA) went winless in four games against the Gophers (24-12-1, 17-10-1, tied for third) this season, losing 9-2 and 3-2 in overtime at Mariucci last October and losing 9-6 at Xcel Energy Center and 2-1 at Midwest Wireless Civic Center in January. The Mavericks are 5-6 in first-round action the last five seasons, advancing to the Final Five twice. The Gophers haven't lost a first-round series since 1998.

Watch your Backes

Sophomore forward David Backes (17-22-39) leads MSU in scoring, topping his goal and assist totals from his rookie year. He finished the regular season ranked seventh in the WCHA in overall point scoring. Ten of his goals this season have come on the power play. Backes, a right wing, remains on the top line with center Travis Morin (12-17-29) and left wing Joel Hanson (4-5-9), a freshman who is replacing injured Brock Becker.

M State-ments

The Mavericks have won three of their last four games and four of their last six. They are also 5-4-3 since last losing to the Gophers two months ago. MSU's second forward line, which include seniors Brad Thompson (11-9-20), Adam Gerlach (10-11-22) and junior Jeff Marler (6-11-17), has come to life of late, accounting for 13 goals and 15 assists over the last 12 games. All three have reached career-high point totals.

'Tender moments

MSU coach Troy Jutting said senior Jon Volp (.896, 3.21) will start tonight's game and Chris Clark (.900, 3.30) likely will go Saturday with Volp available for a possible third game Sunday. Minnesota's top goalie, Kellen Briggs is out with a hand injury, leaving senior Justin Johnson (.920, 2.22) to start his fifth consecutive game. In his second game of the season, Johnson stopped 39 of 40 shots to beat the Mavericks Jan. 15.

Gopher guts

Minnesota closed the regular season with four consecutive victories, sweeping St. Cloud State and Michigan Tech. Junior Tyler Hirsch (11-31-42) leads the Gophers in scoring with sophomores Ryan Potulny (24-15-39) and Danny Irmen (20-18-38) not far behind. Senior Barry Tallackson (7-8-15) has been Minnesota's Mr. March with 22 points in 21 postseason games. Irmen and freshman Kris Chucko (9-11-20) each have four goals against MSU this season.